Flanked by lush coconut groves on both sides, residents and tourists are familiar with the views offered by the boat cruise on the backwaters from the Chunnambar Boat House to the Paradise Beach.
However, they have thus far not had a chance to take in the sights post sunset, with the boat ride offered by the Puducherry Tourism Development Corporation Limited (PTDC) operating its last service of the day before nightfall.
Giving a boost to Puducherry’s destination for evening entertainment, a private event management company has designed a ‘Pondy River Cruise’ for the peak tourist season in December.
The Pondy River Cruise will be operated on December 13, 14, 20, 21, 25, 27 and 28, with two cruises each day from 6.30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.
“I have been studying the tourism market in Puducherry. I have been getting feedback from tourists and hoteliers that there are limited options for entertainment in the evening. This is the idea behind this initiative,” said Ram Kumar, from Varsham Enterprises, the event management company which is operating the cruise.
The Pondy River Cruise will accommodate 40 persons on each trip and have hired the boat from PTDC for the service. Passengers will be instructed on safety measures and given life jackets on boarding. “We have two lifeguards on each trip and will be following safety procedures strictly. We do not want to take any risk. There will be six other staff members for the assistance of passengers on each trip,” said Mr. Kumar.
Passengers will then be treated to entertainment programmes by television artistes and games for children. The buffet dinner will offer vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The organisers are keen on attracting families and have thus restrained from serving alcohol on board.
“Depending on the response, we are keen to organise more such cruises in the future on a bigger scale, probably on boats with a capacity for 200 people,” said Mr. Kumar, adding that they had got all the required permits from the government.
Priced at Rs. 1000 per ticket, the entry is free for children below three feet height. Tickets are available at Anjappar Restaurant on 45 Feet Road, Anjappar Restaurant on Bussy Street, Bon Bakes on Ambour Salai, Nalla Beach Resort on the East Coast Road, the Tourism Information Centre on Beach Road and the Pelakkia Voyage on M.G Road.
